It was suggested that it would be really nice of me to make a tutorial on how to make a songbird. The following is my attempt. Please let me know if I need to clarify things or give more directions- this is my first tute so bear with...

1. Make the legs. I used 18 gauge wire and cute little needle-nosed pliers

2. Make the basic body shape. For this I made the base out of white wool and covered it with yellow corriedale. You could also leave it like this and make a chick.

3. Make the tail separately, attach it after you've firmed it up a little. The shape is going to depend on the type of bird.

4. Make the wings. For this I just use a glob of wool and needle it into shape as I go.

5. Make the beak. Take a small amount of roving and roll it into a cone, needle firm. For me this is the hardest part because I stab the heck out of myself.

6. Add the beak and start adding the surface details.

7. Cover the legs. Ideally you would use yarn but comes out I didn't have the right color. So I had to wrap roving around the wire and then wet felt it.

Here he is in his natural habitat

Viola, a goldfinch! Sorry the pictures aren't that hot, the lighting in my apartment is the pits. I'd like to see your birds if you try this- realistic or fantasy- so please add on if you like.

I've been meaning to post this for ages - and haven't had the chance until now- I was SOOOO inspired by radal16's birds and other lovely creations that I tried a tropical bird for my Mum's birthday. She loves him so much she puts him in her houseplants...heehee.

here he is with naked legs:

and with covered legs, much better and warmer too!

At first I was unsure- but now I love the fact that his legs are practically the same size as his body- it makes him look all akward and strange- like me. hope you like